EXIT POINTS, REPATRIATION PLANS READY FOR FILIPINOS AFFECTED BY MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT – DMW

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday assured the public that exit points and repatriation measures are in place to assist Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“Nakahanda po tayo, ang ating exit points and repatriation,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in a Palace press briefing.

While mass repatriation is not yet necessary, Cacdac said that the DMW, together with other concerned government agencies, remains fully prepared to respond should the situation worsen and advised Filipinos from affected areas to remain indoors and stay vigilant.

According to Cacdac, specific exit points have already been identified for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who have expressed their intention to return home.

“Mayroong mga identified exit points doon sa mga nag-manifest na nais na nila ding umuwi, we are working out along with the DFA and the host countries ‘yung manner in which we will start moving people through these exit points,” Cacdac said.

Aside from this, Cacdac said they are also working closely with the Department of National Defense (DND) for the possible use of proper military assets for assistance, as well as the private sectors for the provision of land, sea, and air options for repatriation.

“Nakaabang at nakahanda na po lahat ‘yan,” Cacdac said.

Amid the closure of several airports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Cacdac assured that the DMW, along with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), is identifying the safest way to deploy their augmentation teams to assist affected OFWs, while ensuring full compliance with the host countries’ protocols.

“Kung sarado sa ngayon ang UAE, we will make sure to be there, our augmentation teams in the areas surrounding kung saan puwedeng sumalubong at pumasok at the right time. Again, timing is everything at this stage, kaya’t hindi po tayo muna manghihimasok sa protocols ng host countries,” Cacdac said.

As of now, the government is extending basic needs assistance, including food and water, to affected Filipinos.

The AKSYON (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan) fund and OWWA funds are also on standby to support OFWs who have lost their jobs or are experiencing distress due to the conflict.

On-site transport services are also available for those who wish to relocate to safer areas and temporary shelters arranged by the Philippine government and the host countries are also accessible.

“Halimbawa sa Dubai, mayroon tayong higit-kumulang 20 ngayon na nasa shelter natin and also identified certain areas outside of our MWO (Migrant Workers Office) kung saan mayroong mga designated accommodation facilities din tayo,” Cacdac said.